Mountain Bike 101 From The Net: How to ride Switchbacks on a Mountain Bike Better in 4 minutes

I am always looking for anything to help me become a better rider. And some days I have had trouble with the switchbacks (especially if they are going uphill) I found this one on the MTB tips YouTube page.  They have a bunch of great videos but this is the technique I will try next time out.

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The Daily Beer And Bike Log: Jan 29, 2015 New Pedals

The search for pedals. So As I went out this past weekend the trails were dry in areas, 
                      
 a bit muddy in others and covered in wet leaves on most. 

The riding itself, not so bad, kept it slow avoided the really muddy areas and moved along for a fun first ride of 2015. I have since went out again and the trail was even more muddy. On the first ride unfortunately, my feet hit the ground a little too often. 
The downside, after my feet got wet (or the bottoms of my shoes) the plastic cheap pedals that came with my bike got wet, and then got slick. 
I adjusted and pressed on but a slip here and there kind of sucks, you can’t get in a groove and just let the force take over (okay there is the Star Wars geek in me) You can’t let your instincts take over and just let it flow.

So I began to search for new pedals. You have your clip in type, 

which I have heard are great once you get used to them. But the pedals themselves are pricey, and then the shoes are just as much if not more and I am sure if I bought a cheaper pair, they are probably less comfy, Let’s face it I enjoy my own worn in shoes.  

Also as a BMX rider growing up I tend to use my feet while riding. In tight turns, and even as it has happened using my leg to bounce off a tree and stay on the trail (all those years of BMX freestyle helped out) So I started searching for pedals, that were platforms, would hold up to the bullshit, and would keep my feet from slipping off causing damage to not only my shins, and knees but saving balls from slamming into the upper frame of the bike. I searched all over Amazon and after reading review after review I came across these

The EvoFreefall DX Mountain Bicycle Pedals  

They met most of my criteria Inexpensive, large surface and spikes that should hold my shoes on them while I get stupid in the woods. 

 I am always worried about going the cheaper route at times, but I am depending on the reviews and holding out hope these will be an inexpensive solution to my problem. Shortly after writing this I found a pair of Pedals I had in my Amazon wish list. A tad more expensive and the reviews were just as good if not better. So, ultimately I decided on the Wellgo MG-1 MagnesiumSealed Platform by well, Wellgo. 

I received them in the mail along with my Park Bike wrench and a pair of bike shorts (mainly so I can stop tearing up my regular everyday shorts)

Anyway got the pedals in the mail yesterday popped the bike out of the shed and put them on. In just a small lap around the yard I can already tell the difference and can’t wait to tear some shit up with these. As well as not tearing a hole in the ass of my regular shorts!

The Daily Beer And bike Log: Jan 28, 2015 My Crash and The Downhill Mountain Bike Crash Compilation 2014

Hey not too much to write about today but this is where my week is at thus far..Waiting for a new set of pedals to come in, work is picking up so a bit busy there, I may have just commited myself to two 3-4 mile runs in the same weekend, and everyone is on my shit about Flat balls (I am a Pats fan, and can say very few original jokes at this point people) So since the very big interest in balls here you go you want to talk balls take a look at these beauties!!!

And Then GO PATS!!!

With that being said and having nothing to do with riding here is a compilation of downhill crashes for your viewing enjoyment. Hopefully I can get back on track tomorrow with a little better journal entry...

Here's To Lookin' at YOU!!!

The Daily Beer And Bike Log: Jan. 27, 2015 Riding in Muddy Soil

So After a muddy experience out in the woods a few weeks back,  and this past weekend, I came across an older article in Dirt Rag Magazine  called to Ride or Not to Ride: The dirt on Muddy single track by Frank Maguire.

 I am not an expert and I am learning as I go, and now that I had that experience with a semi muddy trail, this article caught my eye. It was one of those articles in the past I may have skipped. Now I connected with it. So these are the types of things I would like to share as I come across them, I did not come up with the stuff I am going to post here, just read it and suggest you go to the whole article if you can I had a hard time finding the article on their site but can say it is in Issue 180 of DirtRag (this is the cover) 

and the link for Subscriptions and back issues

Anyway the part I wanted to share is at the end of the article Soil Sampling

It is a test for your own local areas to find out if you have a more sand , Silt or clay type soil where you ride.

Here is the easy explanation 

Sand is will dry quickly, but during dry times it will be really loose, and is hard to shape (for you trail builders)

Clay trails are normally very hard in the summer and if they are made right will shed water, but once the water creeps in they will take a while to dry.

Silt for the most part holds the water and does not compact

Maguire tells us in the article that any one of these alone will be a shit trail, well he says “Crap” but hey you get it same thing. And most trails are a combination of the three but have a dominant soil. Here is his way to check

1-      Find a Spot just upside of the Trail (less chance that other soils have been displaced here) brush off the leaf litter, scoop up a handful of dirt, if it has been dry add a little water, just enough to make it moist.

2-      If you are able to make a ball and not have it crumble, next try to squeeze that ball into a rope, like playing with play doh.

3-      If you can extrude a ribbon between your thumb and index finger, see how far you can squeeze it before it breaks off

He goes on to tell us, “If it crumbles easy and it was gritty you have a high sand content”

“If the ball crumbled, but was pretty smooth otherwise, then it was silt”

“If you were able to make a ball. One that stained your hands, but formed a several inch long ribbon, then you have mostly clay."

Again this is not my info just thought I would share it, plus hey! shit is not always exciting in my life, so talking about something most days is not always easy.

Disclaimer: I am no expert in anything on this blog as it states it is a Beginners journey into Mountain Biking and Beer Brewing. These are just opinion and observation pieces through my eyes as things happen. It is my personal journal for the world to see, that is all. Anything technical I would always refer you to some sort of expert, be it a brewer, or bike shop.

The Beer And Bike Log: Jan. 26, 2015 Just One Reason My Wife is Awesome!

Want to know how awesome my Wife is? Well with a weekend that was filled with appointments, bad weather on its way and other family business, she rushed home from one of her own so I could squeeze in a last second bike ride. 

She came into the house took over baby duties (our little one was overtired and not in the best of moods either) and said get dressed go on your ride. There are so many reason why I love her but, understanding the little things that make my life happy is a biggie. Thank You.

So I gathered my stuff loaded the bike and headed off to the park. I got out and first you have to ride down the regular bike path to get to the Mountain bike area.

 They are in the process of building an entire park, with softball, soccer and football fields so the original parking lot is inaccessible.  Not that it’s a big deal I get a little warmed up on the cement path before I get to the dirt.

Now I got there and it initially looked better than last week so I went at it. I pedaled my way down the straightaway, and just before the first berm, squish, the mud began.

 I was in and out of the mud a good portion of the way, keeping the bike from skidding off the trail a few times and finally as I had to hit the first real climb, the tires slid my foot hit the ground and my body almost did as well, since my foot could do no better traction wise.  

I caught my breath snapped a few pics, and continued on my way. 

Mud was flipping onto my backside, my seat and all over the frame of the bike.

 Now usually I like to get about two to three laps in (that is roughly two to three miles) 

but getting through the mud was exhausting, I got back to the start caught my breath drank a bit of water and decided as long as it took me to get through a single lap, I may be better off riding on back to the car, since I had some stuff I needed to do and time was getting short if I wanted to wash off the mud.

  

Overall even a rough day out on the trail is better than not getting there at all. And the rain that has since followed assures me that it may be a little while before it dries out and is ride able again. But after a long wet winter two weeks of being able to jump on my bike has felt great.  And if not for my wife rushing around to get home It would not have happened. My Wife is Awesome! Looking forward to my next hopefully dry ride.

Beers To Try Before you Die or the Beer Bucket 52 List 4 of 52 Sam Cream Stout

So this year I am also going to post 52 beers you have to Try before you die, Beer bucket list. I was going to do 365 but I just do not have the time to drink every single day, and it gives me a nice round number to hit over the year. AMounting to a new or even favorite beer every week. Some will be beers I have always had and loved, (you all know October fest will end up there) others will be beers I step out on the limb to try and if I like it, that brew will get a quick post. Once in a while we may even get a post with an extra Skunky beer taste face. Others will fall into the category of I rate it with my normal go to rating system (against my Favorite beer) and say this is beer Number 34 you have to try before you die. It will be fun and it will expand your beer tasting horizons so buckle up. If I don’t like it or its overall rating is below 6 It won’t get posted. The ratings I will give them are 1-5 Bottles or mugs 1 (still being a great beer a 1 rating is not a bad thing and worth a try) and 5 (A must have beer. With a Special 6 Pack rating those beers being the best of the best. At the end of the year they will be rounded up by rating. So all are at least worth marking off the beer bucket list. Some better than others…….

As the weekend hit and there were so many things to do, Got a little riding in, had a bunch of things to do with the family, softball practice with the oldest daughter and of course the NFL playoffs which included my beloved Patriots. 
Yeah Insert your flat balls jokes here...This is what Tom Fuckin Brady has for you...

And this is what I have for you...

With that being said we can agree..Beer is awesome!! Otherwise why the hell are you here reading this?

In my crazy postseason rituals, I tend not to stray away from the usual on these days as far as beer goes, and since I drank Sam Adams Cream Stout a week before and they won,

 I would be drinking the same beer for the AFC Championship game. Now I knew it would only be a matter of time before this beer got onto the 52 beer bucket list, so why not now?

Sam Adams Cream Stout is a sweet creamy stout it has a slight chocolate, caramel taste and is so smooth. Not a heavy Stout that will fill you up, but not too light either (as in filling you up, the color is dark obviously) 
                                             

I will say this, if any beer is going to overtake my GoTo Beer Sam Adams Octoberfest, the Cream Stout from the Same brewery would be it. It is so smooth and the taste is terrific! I enjoy the dark rich flavor of….

Now I can say I will never just hand this rating out (you know what is coming right?) I give this one the ultimate ratting of (Trumpet sounds here) The Almighty Six Pack. If you have never had one try it, you will not regret it.....

To view what all the ratings mean go to the 52 Beers to try Before You die Bucket list page

Disclaimer I am a beer drinker and a beginner home brewer the above is only my taste buds telling me what I enjoy, it is not the law or rule of the land, these would be the beers that I am grateful to have tried before the day comes when I pass on and meet my maker. 

The Daily Beer And Bike Log: Jan 23, 2015 Science on Tap

A lot of my posts have been about my bike riding, or lack thereof here lately, but I got a Facebook invite to something pretty interesting.  I got an invite this morning from one of our cousins. He knows I like beer and knows I want to make my own.  

Here locally we are lucky to have a Science Center that has their hands in everything to do with, well science. And since Beer making is in itself not only an art but a science, the St Louis Science Center has a Science on Tap night. What is it?

 Well in their own description.

Learn about the chemistry and science behind the entire beer brewing and bottling process. This event will feature 50+ beer tastings, science demonstrations, live music and more!

This total sensory experience will let you be hands-on with some of beer brewing's most popular ingredients. Learn how different colored glass affects the taste of your beer, discover how buoyant your beer is and compete against your friends in our beer-goggles challenges.

Event highlights include:
Complimentary Parking
Over 50 beers to taste
Culinary Creations using Local Beers
Live Music from Trixie Delight Acoustic (7-8:30pm) and The Jeremiah Johnson Band (9-11pm)

Music, over 50 beers to try, and the geeky stuff beer makers (and Tasters) would enjoy.  

Now it’s 50 bucks to get in (60 at the door) but if you even get to try half the beers, gather some valuable info and enjoy a little blues music on the way that isn't to bad a price to pay. Now as busy as I have been trying to sell a house, and with the kids and family, don’t know if I can attend but I am going to try.

As for this weekend Hopeful to get a ride in and a new Beer in. 

Well HELLO!!!!

You ever wish you were a Mountain Bike Saddle?

I'll Drink to That!!!

The Daily Beer And Bike Log: Jan 22, 2015 Pretty Pictures and Bike Babes to get me by

Really just winging it today so stick with me. My lack of Mountain Bike riding, cabin fever state I have been looking through numerous magazines and watching videos via YouTube and Netflix.

 

And this post is more an observation and random thought process than anything else.

All sports have their venue, and there are special places old like Fenway Park (GO SOX!!!)

 

 and New like The Stadium in Dallas (Suck it Cowboys) with the Giant ass TV’s.

 

 And you can attend a game at any number of these places, but other than being a fan you are not participating.

 

Whereas Mountain Biking, has venues that you can participate in and admire.

I grabbed just some random pictures from Google and they are beautiful….

 

Oh wait those are not the pics, well they still are eye catching aren’t they? I know I will stoop to any level to get your readership....Since we are here I Like this one....

 

 Anyhow, the riding as always is just amazing, when seeing the riders jump and fly through the still pics,

 

 

 

 but the backdrops, the scenery, are all places anyone of us can go.

 Are we all going to drop in from 70 feet out in Utah?

 

 No ( I would love to try though)

But from coast to coast there are parks, trails and mountain areas we can ride, that are nice in their own way.

Weather flying through the woods locally,

 

 or taking a trip into the mountains, or desert and really roughing it.

 

If you appreciate your surroundings and keep in mind this is your stadium. You can never lose.

 

 Now none of us have thousands of fans screaming our names, but it is still something to take in that is on a personal level just outstanding.

 And if you are like me at the moment stuck inside drinking a beer (see it is not all bad, I will review this current beer down the road) and flipping through the latest Bike magazines, and my process always works like this with a new magazine.

 

 I go from page one through the entire mag, glancing at the stories I will soon read but looking at the photography that is either attached to the articles or plastered across the pages. I am a photographer (or videographer if you want to be technical) by trade so I appreciate the pretty pictures.

There is not much like a fresh new copy of Bike or DirtRag in my mailbox to sit down and page through. But I still can't wait for the weather to break so I can get out and make my own memories in my personal venues.

 

 And tell you all about it....

 

And when all else fails on the picture front we can still grab your attention with the lovely Mountain Bike Babes 

 

 

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Disclaimer: I am no expert in anything on this blog as it states it is a Beginners journey into Mountain Biking and Beer Brewing. These are just opinion and observation pieces through my eyes as things happen. It is my personal journal for the world to see, that is all. Anything technical I would always refer you to some sort of expert, be it a brewer, or bike shop.